Many wildlife groups in Costa Rica are not happy with the proposed new wildlife laws. In theory, wildlife regulations should enhance and protect the environment and the creatures in it. However, wildlife groups argue that the proposed new laws do the opposite.
Why Are Costa Rican Animal Groups Angry About New Laws?
Costa Rica Wildlife groups are not holding back as they voice their opinions on the proposed new wildlife law. TicoTimes shared some of the details of their complaints. The outlet shared that environmental organizations say “the draft reduces protections, lacks clear scientific support, and is moving forward without new funding from the National System of Conservation Act (SINAC).”
All of those seem like valid reasons to push back against the new regulation. Instead, the wildlife organization says that “wildlife management in Costa Rica should be based on science and focus on conservation rather than flexibility for commercial exploitation.” So, how does it weaken the defense or the lack of scientific support?
First, the consultation period for this new regulation lasted only 10 days. Conservationists argued that this period was “too short to measure up to the technology of wildlife conservation and management.” In addition, some of the programs were amazing. For example, one of the concerns of wildlife groups in Costa Rica was that the provision would allow “five species of wild parrots and hybrid macaws.”
Naturally, no one in conservation or wildlife supported it. They dispute its clear legal and environmental impact issues. After many discussions, they removed the option of the captivity of five species of birds. However, he “maintained the arrangement of hybrid macaws.”
Many Problems with the New Regulation
Another point of discussion was that “the proposed new administrative division would include rescue centers and non-commercial zoos.” Wildlife organizations argued that “the public record does not reflect the scientific process behind the measure.”
In addition, Costa Rica’s wildlife groups are experiencing a financial crisis. They argue that the proposed new regulation “does not include additional technical, technical, financial, budgetary, or human resources for SINAC.” This is a big problem considering that some reports show that “SINAC’s budget has been cut by more than 40 percent in the last five years.”
With those budget cuts comes reduced regulation and oversight. Therefore, any new proposed legislation should instead strengthen conservation and give back to organizations that are trying to help wildlife. So with unscientific features, shortened consultation periods, actions that conflict with conservation and wildlife, and no funding, it’s no wonder Costa Rica’s wildlife groups are fighting back.